The Berkshire MPO was briefed on the rail projects on Tuesday.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The state now has the ownership of railroad track from Pittsfield to Connecticut.

 

The state Department of Transportation finalized the $12.13 million purchase of track that is eyed to be improved for passenger rail. The line goes through Connecticut to New York.

 

In the same purchase, MassDOT bought a "spur" to Coltsville for $900,000. The ownership rights were transferred to the state on Jan. 6.

 

However, another rail purchases is still under negotiations — the tracks between Adams and North Adams eyed for the Berkshire Scenic Railways to operate scenic rides.

 

The rail line from Adams to North Adams is still being finalized. That spur has been highly anticipated in North County because of the 2013 announcement that the Berkshire Scenic Railway was going to operate scenic rides.

 

However, the purchase has slowed somewhat when MassDOT tied the purchase negotiation in with other rail lines in the eastern part of the state.

 

While that negotiation hasn't been completed, Peter Freiri, of MassDOT's District 1, said the extension of the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail is moving forward. That project had been delayed to be redesigned to incorporate scenic rail operations between Hoosac and Lime streets.

 

Freiri said the rights of way have been completed, the final design is being reviewed, and environmental permitting has begun. The project is expected to be constructed this year.

 

According to Berkshire Regional Planning Commission, the trail was used by 48,000 people in summer 2013, averaging 611 people per day. 

 

"These numbers indicate that the Ashuwillticook trail is being utilized," Planner Clete Kus said.

 

Also in Adams, Freiri said the Adams roundabout project's bids are scheduled to be opened on Feb. 10.

 

In Pittsfield, he said preliminary design has begun on the Berkshire Medical Center area improvements as well as 25 percent design of the intersection of West Housatonic and Center Streets.